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If you are working on a large project that requires the use of multiple applications at the same time, relying on one screen can be hurting your productivity. The time you spend moving windows or opening and closing documents would be better spent on performing tasks.
One way to correct this problem is to update your desktop with two external monitors. This is a better solution than using an external monitor and your computer screen because the two monitors will be the same size and can be set to the same height.
Connecting two high-resolution monitors to a computer – especially a laptop – used to require a state-of-the-art machine and many cables. The process has become simplified as the technology has been improved in recent years. We describe below everything you need to set up a working configuration with multiple monitors.
Using a multi-monitor stand
Amazon
Each external monitor comes with its own stand (with one notable exception), but we recommend connecting the two monitors in their configuration to Mount-It! ‘S dual monitor stand.
This accessory attaches to your desk and allows you to move each monitor to the perfect position. You can rotate the monitor 180 degrees (great for programming or viewing the layout of a book or magazine page) or position them to reduce neck strain.
As a bonus, using this stand will free up space on your desk because you won’t have to worry about the feet of each monitor. Mount The dual monitor stand works with 17- to 27-inch screens, up to 22 pounds each.
We recommend this support above all others because we had the opportunity to test the company’s unique monitor supports and we were impressed by their quality. We have complete confidence in Mount-It! Equipment, and this should be the first component of your dual monitor setup.
Note: If your desk does not work with a monitor mount, Mount-It! it has a version that can be placed on top of it. This version of the booth has all the same features and is available on Amazon for $ 33.99.
Choosing the right monitor for your needs
LG
Choosing the right screen for a dual monitor setup can be difficult. We have guides for the best 4K monitors, the best curved monitors, the best monitors in general and even the best portable monitors. The biggest limiting factor will be space; everyone loves the idea of having two huge monitors on their desk, but not if they take up all the space.
If your desk is not too deep, having huge monitors can also strain your eyes or make it difficult to see information on both screens, which negates the purpose of this whole setup. You’ll also want a high-resolution monitor (also known as 4K), so that everything on the screen looks as clear and sharp as possible.
Given these parameters, we have two monitor recommendations, one medium and one large, which are more suitable for this job. Anyone will do a good job and each can be used with Mount It! monitor goes up.
1. LG 24UD58-B 4K UHD IPS monitor
LG
LG’s 24UD58-B is the best external monitor we’ve tested so far and the perfect choice for a dual monitor setup.
The 24-inch 4K screen is large enough that you can use two apps side by side without feeling confused. If you use image or video editing software, you will have enough space to keep all your tools and palettes open, without interfering with the project you are working on.
During our tests, we were constantly impressed by the color accuracy and the overall clarity of this monitor. The text looked clear, the photos and videos appeared and the games worked perfectly. This is a good versatile monitor. If you are planning to play using this setting, please be aware that the screen works at a maximum of 60 Hz (hertz), which means that you will not be able to play some PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S / X games at their fastest speeds.
The LG 24UD58-B has three inputs: A DisplayPort and two HDMI ports; all of these ports can accept 4K video. We used the DisplayPort and HDMI port during our tests and we didn’t notice any performance difference between the two. We recommend using DisplayPort, if possible, because it leaves the HDMI ports open for game consoles, media streams or other devices.
You can switch between inputs or adjust other settings, such as brightness and contrast, using a switch just below the screen. It took a few attempts to get the hang of it, but we haven’t had any problems since. The only disadvantage of this monitor is its fragile support, but we already recommend a solution to correct this problem.
If you’re setting up a dual monitor setup, LG’s 24UD58-B is the right screen for the job.
2. BenQ EL2870U
Amazon
If you have space and want a dual monitor setup with two giant screens, we recommend the BenQ EL2870U.
The 28-inch 4K monitor has a number of quality of life features that help you stand a little above the competition. This starts with Eye Care, a custom technology that changes the color temperature of the screen to show less blue light as the day progresses. This subtle adjustment can help reduce eye strain and even make it easier to sleep.
The screen runs at 60 Hz and supports AMD’s FreeSync, a technology that ensures games run with just 1 ms (millisecond) delay. This is an essential feature if you want to play fast-paced games, such as first-person shooter games, that require this level of fidelity.
The BenQ monitor supports HDR (high dynamic range), a feature that means that colors will look much more accurate. This is a welcome resource for professional photo or video editors who need their work to look as realistic as possible. The EL2870U has three inputs: two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, all of which can accept a 4K signal.
The main reason for obtaining this display for a dual monitor configuration is its size. You will have enough space to keep several applications open at the same time. If you are producing 4K video, you can dedicate a single screen to editing and the other to viewing your footage in its full native resolution. Seeing your content on a large screen without loss of quality is a big improvement over seeing a garbled version on a laptop.
If you need two large screens to set up multiple monitors, the BenQ EL2870U is the right choice.